Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup croutons

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Add the diced cooked chicken breast, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Pour the prepared creamy Caesar-style dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle croutons over the top to keep them crisp.

Step 6: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast your croutons lightly before adding them to the salad.

Substitute grilled chicken for rotisserie chicken to add a smoky flavor.

Add avocado slices for creaminess and an extra nutrient boost.

Use kale or spinach instead of romaine for a different leafy green base.

Make the dressing a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and chill it in the fridge.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. The dressed salad is best eaten within 1 day as the lettuce and croutons will lose their texture. Keep the dressing refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended for the salad, but leftover cooked chicken can be gently warmed before adding.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, Parmesan and mozzarella provide a classic flavor combination, but you can substitute with cheddar, asiago, or a blend of your favorites to suit your taste.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

To keep the salad fresh for meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before eating. Keep croutons in a separate container to maintain their crunch.